This paper analyzes the social trajectory of de nobles to the State of Brazil as governor general between 1640 and 1702 and emphasizes the military career covered by them in an environment of tension and war crucial to the consolidation of Portuguese independence and Bragança dynasty. The gentlemen who came to the State of Brazil while occupying the Portuguese society of the Ancien Regime a high social position, sought to add and/or consolidated social presence exercising positions of command in the war against Spain and its military participation, was one of the reasons of mercy received by them, including the general government of the State of Brazil.
general government; military career; State of Brazil